Well-lit museum highlights architecture and artwork

Project: Leighton House

Location: London, United Kingdom

Award: Individual Project Interiors: Lighting Projects, Gold, 2023

Design Practice: BDP

Client: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

Purpose-built in 1865 for the eminent Victorian painter, Frederic, Lord Leighton, Leighton House has evolved and expanded over its 150-year history. The property is now a public museum where lighting has been effectively used to highlight artwork and architectural features.

The original lantern light now provides daylight to the staff, with the gallery beneath incorporating a simulation of natural top lighting. A track and spot system in the Perrin Wing is integrated into both the ceiling and cove for flexibility. The wall is washed with indirect light to mimic a daylight effect. Iguzzini adjustable framer spotlights are used to focus beams onto the varying sizes of the paintings and minimise spill. In the drawing gallery an integrated track and spot system allows for flexibility and re-positioning of artworks.

Design highlights

Low level lighting (50lx) is used throughout to protect and preserve the historic drawings. A suspended track and spot system provides flexibility in the café and allows for specific focussing alongside the direct/indirect linear luminaires, to adjust and compensate for changes in daylight and function. The same suspended track and spot system is used in reception to accent features such as high-level murals and bookcases. Wall mounted lines of light provide wall washing and lighting to murals and information text.

Photo credit: Nick Caville and Dirk Lindner